Getting a replacement license after you lose yours

You can replace a lost New Jersey driver's license by visiting a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in person, mailing in a form, or using the MVC's online renewal system if your license hasn't expired. The fastest route is an in-person visit, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $24. You'll need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and a valid form of ID — a passport works, but an expired license does not.

If you can't get to an MVC office right away, you can mail Form BA-298 (process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card) to the MVC along with a check or money order for $24, a copy of your proof of residency, and a photocopy of your ID. Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not send cash.

Key Takeaways

  • An in-person replacement at any MVC office costs $24 and takes about 30 minutes; you need proof of residency and a valid form of ID.
  • Mailing Form BA-298 with payment and copies of required documents takes 7 to 10 business days and also costs $24.
  • You can use the MVC's online renewal system only if your license hasn't expired; if it has, you must visit an office or mail in the form.
  • Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address.

What documents you need to bring or send

The MVC requires three things: proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid form of ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days counts as proof of residency — it must show your current address.

For ID, bring a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. An expired New Jersey license does not count as valid ID for this purpose. If you don't have any of these, you'll need to bring a certified birth certificate plus one additional document like a school ID or employee badge.

In-person replacement at an MVC office

Walk into any MVC office with your documents and Form BA-298 (though you can fill it out there if you arrive without it). Bring the three required documents listed above. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the MVC website. Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits than mid-afternoon.

Mailing your replacement request

Complete Form BA-298 and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $24, a photocopy of your proof of residency, and a photocopy of your valid ID. Do not include your original documents — send copies only. Do not send cash.

The MVC will process your request in 7 to 10 business days and mail your new license to the address on file. If you've moved since your last license was issued, update your address on the form before mailing. You can read Form BA-298 from the MVC website or request it by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500.

Online renewal if your license is still valid

If your license hasn't expired, you can renew it online through the MVC website without visiting an office. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and pay the $24 fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not an option if your license has already expired or if you need to update your photo. In those cases, you must visit an office or mail in Form BA-298.

What happens while you wait for your replacement

You'll receive a temporary license when ready if you visit an office in person. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes. If you mailed in your request, you won't have a temporary license — you'll need to wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives and you didn't get a temporary license, you can request one by visiting an MVC office with your proof of residency and valid ID. The office will issue a temporary license on the spot.

Cost and payment methods

Replacing a lost driver's license costs $24 whether you do it in person or by mail. At an MVC office, you can pay with cash, check, or debit card (credit cards are not accepted). When mailing your request, send a check or money order only — do not send cash.

There are no additional fees for a temporary license or for expedited processing. If you need your license faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days, the MVC does not offer an expedited mail option, but visiting an office in person and getting a temporary license is the fastest route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license if I lost my original?

Yes. If you visit an MVC office in person, you'll receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. If you mail in your request, you won't get a temporary license unless you visit an office afterward to request one.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Update your address on Form BA-298 before mailing it in, or tell the MVC staff when you visit in person. Your new license will be mailed to your current address on file. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) to verify the change.

Do I need to report my lost license to police?

You don't have to, but you can file a report if you're concerned about identity theft. Reporting it creates a record, but it's not required to get a replacement from the MVC. If your license was lost in a theft or accident, a police report may be useful for insurance purposes.

How long does a replacement license take if I visit an office?

You'll get a temporary license when ready that's valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in your request instead, the entire process takes 7 to 10 business days with no temporary license.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You'll need to bring one of the accepted documents: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days showing your current address. If you can't get any of these, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to ask about alternatives.